Environmental Health — Touching Everyone’s Life Every Day
Environmental health is an integral part of Minnesota's public health system. Events in the last several years, including
natural and manmade disasters, terrorism, and food borne disease outbreaks,
have demonstrated this again and again. Furthermore, as research sheds
light on environmental hazards and on the environment’s impact
on overall health, the public increasingly looks toward the environmental
health community for its expertise and leadership. Summary
fact sheet (PDF: 60KB/2 pages). For a list of additional Environmental Health issues, see our Topic Index.
Highlights
Possible Amendments to Minnesota Rule Chapter 4626, the Minnesota Food Code
The Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture (“the Departments”) are considering amendments to Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4626, the Minnesota Food Code (Code). The Departments are considering rule amendments that would bring the Code up to date and in substantial conformance with the 2009 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Model Food Code.
Request for Comments:
The Department published a Request for Comments in the December 21, 2009, State Register and is currently soliciting comments on possible changes. Interested persons or groups may submit comments or information on these possible rule amendments in writing until further notice is published in the State Register that the Departments intend to adopt or to withdraw the rules. The full request for comments can be found at the Minnesota State Register Web site.
More Information:
Minnesota Food Code Revision Information
Current Minnesota Food Code
Questions About The Proposed Rule
Atrazine Human Health Assessment
MDH has recently completed a human health assessment of the herbicide atrazine. This assessment was conducted at the request of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to provide specific information and recommendations for the MDA special registration review of atrazine. The atrazine review is part of a larger process initiated by MDA to select and evaluate pesticides for unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment that might be addressed through state-specific registration and regulations. The human health assessment represents MDH’s current understanding of atrazine; however, atrazine remains a subject of active scientific research and review. MDH is committed to tracking emerging science to ensure that all relevant and available information on atrazine human health effects is evaluated on a continual basis. MDH’s participation in the atrazine review was in addition to the Department’s on-going efforts to develop and establish Health Risk Limits for atrazine in groundwater.
See: Atrazine Human Health Assessment
MDH Proposing Lead Rule changes
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requests comments on its possible amendment to rules governing lead poisoning prevention. MDH is considering rule amendments that will incorporate the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pre-Renovation Education (PRE) regulation, and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulation into the department’s existing Lead Poisoning Prevention Rules. MDH is looking at additional amendments to allow it to develop a web-based program that allows electronic submission of lead applications and notices. MDH will also amend existing language to conform to these new provisions.
MDH will publish the Request for Comments in the Minnesota State Register on November 9, 2009. MDH will also be holding six informational seminars throughout Minnesota to allow interested parties to learn more about EPA and MDH lead regulations and provide comments.
See: Proposed Changes to the Minnesota Lead Poisoning Prevention Rules
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